Connecting to nature can restore our sense of wellbeing.

For children, this connection is best made through play – whether outdoors in nature or indoors with natural elements. 

If the children in your care are stuck indoors due to the global coronavirus crisis, help them connect to nature through play with these lovely ideas from the Outdoor Classroom Day community.

1. Write about or draw the nature you can see outside your window.
2. Create a nature den – add plants, use nature colours and play nature sounds. 
3. Spot animals out of your window and imitate them.
4. Share your favourite memories of playing in nature.
5. Play a nature-based game of ‘I spy’ out of your window.
6. Make a pinwheel, open the window and find out how windy it is.
7. Open your window and listen to the sounds of nature.
8. Spot clouds and keep a journal of all the things you see in them.
9. Make a nature scrapbook – things you can hear, see, feel.  
10. Sing nature songs out of the window or on the balcony.

Making a DEN  – and playing in it – is a favourite activity for children of all ages. Dens are really easy to make with things you have at home. 

Why not bring elements of nature into your den by adding plants and natural objects, using nature colours and playing nature sounds inside? 

WHAT IS OUTDOOR CLASSROOM DAY?

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to celebrate and inspire outdoor learning and play. On the day, thousands of schools around the world take lessons outdoors and prioritise playtime. In 2019, over 3 million children in over 100 countries took part.  

Outdoor learning improves children’s health, engages them with learning and leads to a greater connection with nature. Play not only teaches critical life skills such as resilience, teamwork and creativity, but is central to children’s enjoyment of childhood. 

It’s easy to get involved and there is something everyone can do! 

If you’re a teacher and new to outdoor learning, why not use Outdoor Classroom Day to try it out? If you already get outdoors regularly, use the day to celebrate what you’re doing and inspire other teachers around the world to join in. 

If you’re a parent, talk to your child’s school about the importance of outdoor learning and play and encourage them to get involved. Think about how you can spend more time outdoors as a family too and inspire other parents to do the same. 

If you work for an organisation that cares about children, nature, education or the environment, speak to us about how you can get involved. We’re always looking for partners to help spread the message far and wide. 

So that schools can participate on a day that fits with their climate and term times, the global campaign has two dates each year. The next Outdoor Classroom Days are on Thursday 21 May and Thursday 5 November 2020. Sign up below for one or both and help build a movement that gets children outdoors to play and learn every day!